U.S. patent number 9,153,147 [Application Number 14/257,680] was granted by the patent office on 2015-10-06 for rolling information display for roller grill.
This patent grant is currently assigned to 7-Eleven, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is 7-Eleven, Inc.. Invention is credited to Paula Sanders Fenton.
United States Patent |
9,153,147 |
Fenton |
October 6, 2015 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Rolling information display for roller grill
Abstract
A rolling information display system includes a heated roller
grill having at least a first coated, heated roller positioned
adjacent a second coated, heated roller, said at least first and
second coated, heated rollers rotating together; and a tube
comprising a plastic material resistant to temperatures at which
the heater roller grill operates, the tube being open on both ends
and further comprising rolling surfaces at opposing ends of the
tube for rolling in contact with heated rolling surfaces of the
heated roller grill and one or more recessed surfaces for bearing
information about products provided on the heated roller grill.
Information is printed in the one or more recessed surfaces, or is
applied directly to or molded directly into the recessed surfaces.
The rolling surface at opposing ends of the tube are integral with
the tube. The products provided on the heated roller grill are food
items.
Inventors: |
Fenton; Paula Sanders (Dallas,
TX) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
7-Eleven, Inc. |
Dallas |
TX |
US |
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Assignee: |
7-Eleven, Inc. (Dallas,
TX)
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Family
ID: |
41463255 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/257,680 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20140317972 A1 |
Oct 30, 2014 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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13344734 |
Jan 6, 2012 |
8701323 |
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12497430 |
Feb 14, 2012 |
8112920 |
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61077995 |
Jul 3, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F
23/00 (20130101); G09F 3/20 (20130101); G09F
3/201 (20130101); G09F 3/0295 (20130101); G09F
11/02 (20130101); G09F 23/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09F
11/02 (20060101); G09F 23/02 (20060101); G09F
3/00 (20060101); G09F 3/20 (20060101); G09F
23/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;219/469 ;40/501,637,660
;99/342,377 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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78102200 |
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Jan 1990 |
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TW |
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94139102 |
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Jul 2006 |
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TW |
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WO-03071908 |
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Mar 2004 |
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WO |
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WO-2010003128 |
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Jan 2010 |
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WO |
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Other References
Notification of Transmittal of the International Search Report and
the Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority,
including the International Search Report and the Written Opinion
for PCT/US2009/049632, dated Sep. 1, 2009 (8 pages). cited by
applicant .
Translation of Official Letter from Taiwan Patent Office for Taiwan
Application No. 098122627, dated Sep. 30, 2013. cited by applicant
.
Search Report from Taiwan Patent Office for Taiwan Application No.
098122627, dated Aug. 25, 2013. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Fox; Charles A
Assistant Examiner: Veraa; Christopher e
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120, this continuation application
claims priority from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/344,734, entitled Rolling Information Display for Roller Grill,
naming Paula Sanders Fenton as inventor, filed Jan. 6, 2012, which
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120, claims priority from U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/497,430, entitled Rolling Information
Display for Roller Grill, naming Paula Sanders Fenton as inventor,
filed Jul. 2, 2009, which pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 (e),
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/077,995, entitled Rolling Information Display for Roller Grill,
naming Paula Sanders Fenton as inventor, and filed Jul. 3, 2008.
The contents of these aforementioned United States patent
applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety
for any and all purposes.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A rolling information display apparatus operable to rotate on a
heated roller grill having at least a first coated, heated roller
positioned adjacent a second coated, heated roller, the rolling
information display apparatus comprising: a substantially
symmetrical cylindrical and open tubular rolling member including:
a first rolling surface having a first diameter and operable to
roll in contact with the first coated, heated roller and the
adjacent second coated, heated roller of the heated roller grill; a
second rolling surface having a second diameter and operable to
roll in contact with the first coated, heated roller and the
adjacent second coated, heated roller of the heated roller grill;
and a recessed surface of a heat resistant material having a third
diameter and including information about a food item operable to be
offered for sale on the heated roller grill, the information
positioned on the recessed surface of the substantially symmetrical
cylindrical and open tubular rolling member, the third diameter of
the recessed surface being less than both the first diameter of the
first rolling surface and the second diameter of the second rolling
surface of the substantially symmetrical cylindrical and open
tubular rolling member, the first diameter of the first rolling
surface and the second diameter of the second rolling surface being
substantially the same, and the first rolling surface and the
second rolling surface of the tubular rolling member being: (a)
configured to roll when in contact with the first coated, heated
roller of the heated roller grill and the adjacent second coated,
heated roller of the heated roller grill while the first coated,
heated roller and the adjacent second coated, heated roller of the
heated roller grill rotate, and (b) comprised of a material that is
(i) heat resistant with respect to the first coated, heated roller
and the adjacent second coated, heated roller of the heated roller
grill, and (ii) operable to roll at least partially between the
first coated, heated roller and the adjacent second coated, heated
roller of the heated roller grill and on coated surfaces of the
first coated, heated roller and the adjacent second coated, heated
roller of the heated roller grill during operation.
2. The rolling information display apparatus of claim 1, wherein
the information is disposed into the recessed surface.
3. The rolling information display apparatus of claim 1, wherein
the first and second rolling surfaces are integral with the
recessed surface.
4. A rolling information display system comprising: a heated roller
grill having at least a first coated, heated roller positioned
adjacent a second coated, heated roller, said at least first
coated, heated roller and the second coated, heated roller rotating
together when in operation; and a tube comprising a plastic
material resistant to temperatures at which the heated roller grill
operates, the tube being open on both ends and further comprising:
rolling surfaces at opposing ends of the tube for rolling in
contact with heated rolling surfaces of the at least first coated,
heated roller and the adjacent second, heated roller of the heated
roller grill, and one or more recessed surfaces bearing information
about products provided on the heated roller grill.
5. The rolling information display system of claim 4, wherein the
information is printed in the one or more recessed surfaces.
6. The rolling information display system of claim 4, wherein the
information is painted in the one or more recessed surfaces.
7. The rolling information display system of claim 4, wherein the
information is applied to the one or more recessed surfaces.
8. The rolling information display system of claim 4, wherein the
information is molded into the one or more recessed surfaces.
9. The rolling information display system of claim 4, wherein the
tube is substantially symmetrical and cylindrical.
10. The rolling information display system of claim 4, wherein the
rolling surface at opposing ends of the tube are integral with the
tube.
11. The rolling information display system of claim 1, wherein the
rolling information display apparatus is provided together with the
food item on the heated roller grill.
12. A rolling information display apparatus operable to rotate on a
heated roller grill having rotating rollers that include at least a
first heated roller positioned adjacent a second heated roller, the
rolling information display apparatus comprising: a tube comprising
a plastic material resistant to temperatures at which the heated
roller grill operates, the tube being open on both ends and further
comprising; rolling surfaces at opposing ends of the tube for
rolling in contact with heated rolling surfaces of the at least
first coated, heated roller and the adjacent second, heated roller
of the heated roller grill, and one or more recessed surfaces on
the exterior of the tube for bearing information about food
products provided on the heated roller grill, the plastic material
being one that is reusable and washable, the rolling surfaces at
opposing ends of the tube of the type that do not wear the heated
rolling surfaces of the at least first coated, heated roller and
the adjacent second, heated roller of the roller grill upon
placement on the heated rolling surfaces of the at least first
coated, heated roller and the adjacent second, heated roller of the
roller grill.
13. The rolling information display apparatus of claim 12, wherein
the information is printed in the one or more recessed
surfaces.
14. The rolling information display apparatus of claim 12, wherein
the information is painted in the one or more recessed
surfaces.
15. The rolling information display apparatus of claim 12, wherein
the information is applied directly to the one or more recessed
surfaces.
16. The rolling information display apparatus of claim 12, wherein
the information is molded directly into the recessed surfaces.
17. The rolling information display apparatus of claim 12, wherein
the tube is substantially symmetrical and cylindrical.
18. The rolling information display apparatus of claim 12, wherein
the rolling surface at opposing ends of the tube are integral with
the tube.
19. A rolling information display apparatus operable to rotate on a
roller grill, the apparatus comprising: a heat resistant,
cylindrical tube bearing information about products placed on the
roller grill; rolling surfaces at or near either end of the tube
for rolling on surfaces of the roller grill, wherein: (a) the
rolling surfaces are of substantially equal diameter; and (b) the
rolling surface are heat resistant to ensure they will not
sufficiently slip on the roller grill surfaces, will not wear the
roller grill surfaces upon placement on the roller grill surfaces,
and will not be damaged by placement on the roller grill; and an
information bearing medium disposed in or about the heat resistant,
cylindrical tube; the rolling surface being removable and
releasable from the heat resistant, cylindrical tube, and the heat
resistant cylindrical tube being primarily composed of a material
that is at least partially transparent.
20. The rolling information display apparatus of claim 19, wherein
the heat resistant cylindrical tube is substantially water
resistant.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a rolling information
display apparatus for use with a roller grill.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Roller grills are often used at today's convenience stores and
concession stands. These roller grills are employed to heat food
items such as hot dogs and taquitos. The food items rest on heated
rollers that rotate and cause the food items to roll while
absorbing heat from the roller surfaces. These roller surfaces are
typically made of chrome and/or coated with a non-stick material,
such as knurreled TEFLON.TM.. An example type of roller grill is
available from Star Manufacturing, Inc.
Customers interested in the food items need to receive information
about the items, such as prices. However, food items on the roller
grill cannot be labeled by conventional means. One way to provide
this information is to have a menu mounted to a wall, but space in
retail locations is at a premium, and food items often change
throughout the day.
One other way of providing information to customers about the food
items relates to encasements for the roller grills. The roller
grills are typically encased in glass cases, under sneeze guards,
or otherwise shielded to prevent contamination of food, and to
prevent injuries. Placing information about the food items on the
encasements for the roller grills is one way of informing
customers. However, the tops of the cases are often employed as
counter space or oriented away from the customers. Additionally,
placing information on the fronts of the cases blocks customers'
views of the food items.
An alternative way of providing information about food items to
customers is to provide a display inside the encasements that
avoids obscuring view of the food items. In one example, rails are
mounted inside the encasements in proximity to the rollers and
oriented perpendicular to the rollers, and displays are mounted to
the rails. However, these rails and displays prevent food items
from being easily removed from the case or moved around on the
grill, and the displays block customer views of the food items to
some degree. Further, these rails and displays are expensive and
are often difficult to clean.
Some attempts at supplying the information have also involved
inserting stationary items on and/or between the rollers. These
items have obstructed views and hamper removal and rearrangement of
food items. Perhaps more importantly, these items often make
contact with the rollers causing damage to the surface of the
rollers of the grill due to friction when contacting with the
rolling surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, a rolling information display apparatus for use with
a roller grill includes an elongated envelope that is at least
partially non-opaque or clear and that contains at least one
offering. A cap is removably engagable with the envelope to cover
at least one opening of the envelope. An information bearing medium
is removably positioned inside the envelope through the opening. In
some embodiments, a sealing member is disposed over the opening to
create a seal, such as a substantially water-tight seal. In certain
embodiments this seal may be positioned between the envelope and
the cap when the cap is engaged with the envelope. In another
aspect, a rolling information display apparatus for use with a
roller grill is a cylindrical rolling member having one or more
rolling surfaces rolling in contact with heated rolling surfaces of
the grill. The cylindrical rolling member also has one or more
recessed surfaces bearing information about food items offered for
sale on the grill. The recessed surfaces are provided in regions of
the rolling member that are of diameter less than regions of the
rolling member in which the rolling surfaces are provided.
Also described herein is a rolling information display apparatus
operable to rotate on a roller grill, the apparatus including an
elongated envelope defined by a surface that is at least partially
non-opaque and having at least one opening; a cap removably
positioned over the at least one opening of the envelope; and an
information bearing medium removably positioned inside the envelope
through the at least one opening of the envelope. The envelope is
substantially cylindrical in shape. The apparatus further comprises
a sealing member disposed to create a substantially water-tight
seal over the at least one opening of the envelope. The seal
created by the sealing member is substantially air-tight and
water-tight. The apparatus further comprises a sealing member
disposed to create a seal between the envelope and the cap when the
cap is engaged with the envelope.
Further, described herein is a rolling information display
apparatus operable to rotate on a roller grill, the apparatus
including a cylindrical rolling member having: (a) one or more
rolling surfaces for rolling in contact with heated rolling
surfaces of the roller grill; and (b) one or more recessed surfaces
bearing information about food items offered for sale on the roller
grill, wherein the recessed surfaces are provided in regions of the
rolling member that are of diameter less than regions of the
rolling member in which the rolling surfaces are provided. The
apparatus further comprises an information bearing medium attached
to at least a portion of the recessed surfaces. The information
bearing medium is formed as a sheet of material that is wrapped
around the cylindrical rolling member. The information bearing
medium is formed as a tube of material that is positioned onto the
cylindrical rolling member. At least one of the one or more rolling
surfaces of the cylindrical rolling member is removably attachable.
The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the information is disposed by
direct application onto the recessed surfaces. The information is
formed directly into the recessed surfaces.
Moreover, described herein is a rolling information display
apparatus operable to rotate on a roller grill, the apparatus
including a heat resistant, cylindrical tube bearing information
about food products placed on the roller grill; and a pair of tires
at or near either end of the tube for rolling on surfaces of the
roller grill, wherein: (a) the tires are of substantially equal
diameter and are situated in parallel planes orthogonal to a
longitudinal axis of the cylindrical tube; and (b) the tires are
soft and heat resistant to ensure that the tires will not slip on
the roller grill surfaces, will not immediately damage the roller
grill surfaces, and will not be immediately damaged by placement on
the roller grill. The information is molded directly into the
surface of the heat resistant, cylindrical tube. The information is
at least one of printed or painted directly onto the heat
resistant, cylindrical tube surface. The information bearing medium
is attached to the exterior of the heat resistant, cylindrical
tube.
Still further described herein is a rolling information display
apparatus operable to rotate on a heated roller grill having at
least a first coated, heated roller positioned adjacent a second
coated, heated roller, the rolling information display apparatus
including a substantially symmetrical cylindrical and open tubular
rolling member including a first rolling surface having a first
diameter and operable to roll in contact with the first coated,
heated roller and the adjacent second coated, heated roller of the
heated roller grill; a second rolling surface having a second
diameter and operable to roll in contact with the first coated,
heated roller and the adjacent second coated, heated roller of the
heated roller grill; and a recessed surface of a heat resistant
material having a third diameter and including information about a
food item operable to be offered for sale on the heated roller
grill, and the information positioned adjacent the recessed surface
of the substantially symmetrical cylindrical and open tubular
rolling member. The recessed surface is provided between the first
rolling surface and the second rolling surface in a region of the
substantially symmetrical cylindrical and open tubular rolling
member. The third diameter of the recessed surface is less than
both the first diameter of the first rolling surface and the second
diameter of the second rolling surface of the substantially
symmetrical cylindrical and open tubular rolling member. The first
diameter of the first rolling surface and the second diameter of
the second rolling surface are substantially the same. The first
rolling surface and the second rolling surface of the tubular
rolling member are: (a) configured to roll when in contact with the
first coated, heated roller of the heated roller grill and the
adjacent second coated, heated roller of the heated roller grill
while the first coated, heated roller and the adjacent second
coated, heated roller of the heated roller grill rotate, and (b)
comprised of a material that is (i) sufficiently heat resistant
with respect to the first coated, heated roller and the adjacent
second coated, heated roller of the heated roller grill, and (ii)
operable to roll at least partially between the first coated,
heated roller and the adjacent second coated, heated roller of the
heated roller grill and on the coated surfaces of the first coated,
heated roller and the adjacent second coated, heated roller of the
heated roller grill during operation. The information is disposed
onto the recessed surfaces. The first and second rolling surfaces
are integral with the recessed surface.
Also described herein is a rolling information display system
including a heated roller grill having at least a first coated,
heated roller positioned adjacent a second coated, heated roller,
said at least first coated, heated roller and the second coated,
heated roller rotating together when in operation; and a tube
comprising a plastic material resistant to temperatures at which
the heater roller grill operates, the tube being open on both ends
and further comprising rolling surfaces at opposing ends of the
tube for rolling in contact with heated rolling surfaces of the
heated roller grill and one or more recessed surfaces for bearing
information about products provided on the heated roller grill. The
information is printed in the one or more recessed surfaces. The
information is painted in the one or more recessed surfaces. The
information is applied directly to the one or more recessed
surfaces. The information is molded directly into the recessed
surfaces. The tube is substantially symmetrical and cylindrical.
The rolling surface at opposing ends of the tube are integral with
the tube. The products provided on the heated roller grill are food
items.
In addition, described herein is rolling information display
apparatus operable to rotate on a heated roller grill having
rotating rollers that include at least a first heated roller
positioned adjacent a second heated roller, the rolling information
display apparatus including a tube comprising a plastic material
resistant to temperatures at which the heater roller grill
operates, the tube being open on both ends and further comprising
rolling surfaces at opposing ends of the tube for rolling in
contact with heated rolling surfaces of the heated roller grill and
one or more recessed surfaces on the exterior of the tube for
bearing information about food products provided on the heated
roller grill, the plastic material being one that is reusable and
washable the rolling surface of the type that do not wear the
heated roller grill surfaces of the rotating rollers upon placement
on the heater roller grill surfaces of the rotating rollers. The
information is printed in the one or more recessed surfaces. The
information is painted in the one or more recessed surfaces. The
information is applied directly to the one or more recessed
surfaces. The information is molded directly into the recessed
surfaces. The tube is substantially symmetrical and cylindrical.
The rolling surface at opposing ends of the tube are integral with
the tube.
Still further is described a rolling information display apparatus
operable to rotate on a roller grill, the apparatus including a
heat resistant, cylindrical tube bearing information about products
placed on the roller grill; rolling surfaces at or near either end
of the tube for rolling on surfaces of the roller grill, wherein:
(a) the rolling surfaces are of substantially equal diameter; and
(b) the rolling surface are heat resistant to ensure they will not
sufficiently slip on the roller grill surfaces, will not wear the
roller grill surfaces upon placement on the roller grill surfaces,
and will not be damaged by placement on the roller grill; and an
information bearing medium disposed in or about the heat resistant,
cylindrical tube. The rolling surface may be removable and
releasable from the heat resistant, cylindrical tube. The heat
resistant cylindrical tube is primarily composed of a material that
is at least partially transparent. The rolling surfaces are of
substantially equal diameter and are situated in parallel planes
orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical tube. The heat
resistant cylindrical tube is substantially water resistant.
Depending on the particular embodiment, various other aspects and
embodiments may be provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a rolling information
display apparatus employed in a retail environment with a roller
grill.
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B provide perspective views illustrating a
rolling information display apparatus disposed on a roller grill
together with food items.
FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B provide perspective views illustrating a first
embodiment of a rolling information display apparatus for use with
a roller grill.
FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C provide perspective views
illustrating a second embodiment of a rolling information display
apparatus for use with a roller grill.
FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C provide perspective views
illustrating a third embodiment of a rolling information display
apparatus for use with a roller grill.
FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B provide perspective views illustrating a fourth
embodiment of a rolling information display apparatus for use with
a roller grill.
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a rolling information display
method for use with a roller grill.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, like numbers refer to like
elements.
The following disclosure is directed toward a rolling information
display apparatus and method. Starting with FIG. 1, the apparatus
100 is partly composed of an information bearing medium 102 on
which information about food items 104 is printed. An example of
the medium 102 is PROPRINT.TM., which is a synthetic printed
material, such as plastic paper made of talc-filled polyethylene.
This medium 102 in certain embodiments is heat resistant up to
three-hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit.
An example of the information or messages provided on medium 102
may include the prices of food item. For example, a name and price
of one food item is printed on a top half of a page of plastic
paper, and a name and price of the same or another food item is
printed on a bottom half of the same side of the page. Then the
page is rolled into a tube with the printed side facing outwards
and the food item names and prices oriented to face opposite one
another. The information or message is then visible through a
portion of area of the apparatus 100 that is at least non-opaque,
clear, or transparent in the visible light spectrum.
The apparatus 100 in certain embodiments may be composed of an
elongated envelope 106 that is generally cylindrical in shape. In
some embodiments, the envelope 106 is a length of high heat
resistant polycarbonate tubing. In some embodiments, the tubing is
clear tubing and is open on one or both ends. Any of a variety of
materials are suitable for use in the present invention. In a
preferred embodiment, these materials are heat resistant at
temperatures at which roller grills operate, and are safe for use
with food equipment. In certain embodiments, the materials are
regulatory approved, such as FDA approved and/or NSF approved.
The rolled page of medium 102 is placed into the envelope 106. In
some embodiments, the page is sized to fit in the envelope 106 with
the outer surface of the page resting against the inner surface of
the envelope and with the food item names and prices revealed. In
other words, the page is not so large or the tube so small that the
page, in order to fit into the tube, must be rolled so as to
obscure any part of the information. In some embodiments, the
height of the page is equal to the circumference of the tubing, or
is not significantly larger than the circumference of the tubing.
In other embodiments, the medium 102 is placed around the exterior
of the outer surface of the envelope. In such a case, the envelope
may not include a non-opaque or clear portion.
The apparatus 100 may, in certain embodiments, include a cap 108
that removably engages with the envelope 106. In some embodiments,
the cap 108 is made of high heat resistant polycarbonate. In some
embodiments, the cap 108 is made of high heat resistant silicon. In
some embodiments, the cap 108 engages with an open end of a tubular
envelope. In some embodiments, two caps engage with two openings of
a tubular envelope.
In some embodiments, the cap 108 is engaged with the envelope 106
to seal the medium 102 in the envelope 106 and thereby create a low
humidity environment for the medium 102. In other words, there is
little or no moisture present in the sealed apparatus 100. As a
result, the interior surface of the envelope 106 does not fog over
when placed on rolling, heated surfaces of a roller grill during a
grilling operation of the roller grill, and the medium does not
degrade. This feature, in a preferred embodiment, provides a
water-tight seal during a dish washing or dish washer cycle. This
allows the apparatus 100 to be cleaned and sanitized, while
ensuring that the inside of the envelope 106 and the medium 102
stays dry. In some embodiments, the cap 108 is engaged with the
envelope 106 in a humidity controlled environment in which the
humidity is controlled to be low. In some embodiments, personnel at
a retail location 110 engage the cap 108 with the envelope in a
humidity controlled environment at the retail location 110. In some
embodiments, the cap 108 is engaged with the envelope 106 before
the apparatus 100 is shipped to the retail location 110.
Turning now also to FIG. 2 and referring generally to FIG. 1, FIG.
2A, and FIG. 2B, the rolling information display apparatus 100 is
placed on rolling, heated surfaces of a roller grill 112 together
with food items 104 about which information is provided on the
information bearing medium 102. The rolling display apparatus 100
is configured to roll on the roller grill 112 together with the
food items. In some embodiments, names and prices of different food
items 104 are alternately revealed by the rolling action of the
rolling display apparatus 100. In some embodiments, these prices
constitute unilateral contractual offers to customers in a retail
environment 110, such as a convenience store. In some embodiments,
customers purchase the food items 104 at a cash register 114 in the
retail environment 110, and the contractual terms are honored by
personnel in the retail environment.
In some embodiments, personnel in the retail environment 110
periodically remove the rolling display apparatus 100 from the
roller grill 112 and wash it. The rolling display apparatus 100, in
a preferred embodiment, is substantially airtight and watertight to
prevent moisture from entering the apparatus 100 during washing by
hand or machine 116. In additional or alternative embodiments,
personnel in the retail environment periodically remove the rolling
display apparatus 100 from the roller grill 112 and send it offsite
for cleaning.
In some embodiments, personnel in the retail environment
periodically disengage the cap 108 from the envelope 106 and
replace the medium 102 with a new medium 102 having new information
or messages about new food items 104, additional food items 104,
new contractual terms, and/or additional contractual terms or other
messages. The personnel then reseal the envelope and replace the
apparatus 100 on the grill 112. In additional or alternative
embodiments, personnel in the retail environment 110 receive a new
apparatus 100 and replace an old apparatus 100 with the new
apparatus 100, which can have new and/or additional information
printed on its medium 102.
Turning now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B and referring generally thereto,
a first embodiment of the rolling display apparatus is composed in
part of an envelope 106 made of a tube of clear material, such as a
heat resistant polymer such as a polycarbonate. In this embodiment
the tube is open on both ends. A pair of caps 108 are configured to
engage the tube by slipping onto the exposed ends of the tube and
adhering by friction to the tube. These caps 108 are made, for
example, from polycarbonate or silicone rubber. The caps 108 each
have a circular wheel section 300 formed to contact the rolling
heated surfaces of the roller grill. The diameters of the wheel
section of the caps 108 are larger than the other diameters of the
apparatus. Therefore, it is ensured that only the wheel regions of
the caps 108 contact the grill during rolling operation, which
avoids transfer of grease and other material from the surface of
the grill to the surface of the envelope 106, and minimizes wear to
and from the caps 108, such as wear to the roller grill roller
surfaces, which may include a TEFLON coating. In other embodiments,
the portions of the caps 108 that contact the roller grill are not
positioned at the far ends of the apparatus 100.
Turning now to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C and referring
generally thereto, an alternative embodiment of the apparatus is
composed in part of an envelope 106 made of a tube of clear
material, such as polycarbonate. This tube is open on both ends and
the ends of the tube are threaded on the inside. In other
embodiments the threads are on the outside. A pair of caps 108 each
have a threaded insert section 402 that is configured to engage the
tube by slipping into the exposed ends of the tube and engaging the
threads on the inside of the tube. These caps 108 are made, for
example, from polycarbonate or silicon. A pair of sealing members
in the form of O-rings 400 are configured to slip over the threaded
insert sections 402 and create a substantially airtight and
watertight seal when the caps 108 are engaged with the envelope
106. The O-rings are made, for example, from a high heat resistant
silicon with a designated or desired hardness/softness. These
O-rings are circular and have a diameter greater than the diameters
of the envelope 106 and caps 108. Therefore, the O-rings 400 are
configured to continuously contact the rolling, heated surfaces of
a roller grill during a grilling operation while lifting the
envelope 106 and caps 108 away from the grill surfaces. As a
result, transfer of grease and other material from the surface of
the grill to the surfaces of the envelope 106 and caps 108 is
avoided, and wear to and from the envelope 106 and caps 108 is
avoided or minimized. In other embodiments, the O-rings 400 are
integrated as part of the caps 108.
Turning now to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C and referring
generally thereto, yet another embodiment of the apparatus is
composed in part of an envelope 106 made of a tube of clear
material, such as polycarbonate. This tube is open on both ends and
the ends of the tube are threaded on the outside. A pair of caps
108 are threaded on the inside and configured to engage the tube by
screwing onto the exposed ends of the tube and engaging the threads
on the outside of the tube of envelope 106. These caps 108 are
made, for example, from polycarbonate or silicon. A pair of sealing
members in the form of O-rings 400 are configured to slip over the
externally threaded ends of the tube and create a substantially
airtight and watertight seal when the caps 108 are engaged with the
envelope 106. The O-rings are made, for example, from high heat
resistant silicon. An additional pair of sealing members in the
form of stoppers 500 that fit between the ends of the tube 106 and
the cap 108 to assist in creating the airtight and watertight seal.
The stoppers 500 are made, for example, from high heat resistant
silicon. In some embodiments, the stoppers 500 can instead be
formed O-rings.
The O-rings 400 are circular and have a diameter greater than the
diameters of the envelope 106 and caps 108. Therefore, the O-rings
400 are configured to continuously contact the rolling, heated
surfaces of a roller grill during a grilling operation while
lifting the envelope 106 and caps 108 away from the grill surfaces.
As a result, transfer of grease and other material from the surface
of the grill to the surfaces of the envelope 106 and caps 108 is
avoided, and wear to and from the envelope 106 and caps 108 is
avoided or minimized. In other embodiments, the O-rings 400 may be
positioned over the tube of the envelope 106 closer to the middle
of the apparatus 100. In such an embodiment, the O-rings 400 may
not serve to seal the ends or openings of the apparatus 400.
Turning now to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B and referring generally thereto,
a further embodiment of the apparatus is composed in part of a
cylindrical rolling member having one or more rolling surfaces 600
for rolling in contact with heated rolling surfaces of a roller
grill. The cylindrical rolling member also has one or more recessed
surfaces 602 for bearing information, such as about the food items
offered for sale on the roller grill. The recessed surfaces 602 are
provided in regions of the rolling member that are of diameter less
than regions of the rolling member in which the rolling surfaces
are provided. The rolling member can be formed of polycarbonate,
glass, metal, rubber, plastic, or any other suitable or desirable
materials.
The information will preferably concern the food items and can be
disposed or positioned in and/or on the recessed surfaces 602 in
numerous ways. For example, the information bearing medium 102 can
be attached to the recessed surfaces 602 by glue, adhesive or other
suitable attachment mechanism, such as shrink wrap, friction fit,
bonded, and the like. The information bearing medium 102 can be a
sheet that is wrapped around the member, such as recessed surfaces
602. Alternatively or additionally, the medium 102 can be a tube
that slides onto the member. In this case, one or more of the
rolling surfaces 600 may be detached so that the tube can slide
onto the recessed surfaces, and the rolling surfaces 600 can be
reattached or attached directly to the medium. Alternatively or
additionally, the information can be printed, painted, or otherwise
directly applied to the recessed surfaces 602. In this case, the
recessed surfaces 602 serve as the information bearing medium 102.
Alternatively or additionally, the information can be written into
the recessed surfaces 602 by etching, molding, carving, embossing,
or any other means. In this case, also, the recessed surfaces 602
serve as the information bearing medium 102. When the recessed
surfaces 602 serve as the information bearing medium 102, it is
envisioned that the rolling surfaces 600 can be detachable in
certain embodiments. Thus, an entirely new rolling member can be
sent to a retail location to replace an existing rolling member, or
a new information bearing medium can be sent to replace an existing
information bearing medium. This information bearing medium can be
a sheet or a tube. The tube can be configured to slidingly engage
with a reusable recessed surface region of the rolling member, or
the tube can serve as a new recessed surface region and engage with
disengagable, reusable rolling surface regions of the rolling
member.
Turning now to FIG. 7, a rolling display method for use with a
roller grill includes resting or positioning an elongated, light
transmissive envelope on rolling heated surfaces of a roller grill
at block 700. At 700, the envelope is placed to rest on the grill
together with food items about which information is provided on an
information bearing medium disposed in the light transmissive
envelope. For example, taquitos and hot dogs are placed on the
grill, and the information displayed by the information bearing
medium includes prices for purchasing the hot dogs and
taquitos.
At 702, the food items are sold to customers who have viewed the
information. Block 702 constitutes honoring the contractual terms
printed on the information bearing medium, such as prices of food
items. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate alternative
or additional contractual terms that can be printed on the
information bearing medium and honored at 702.
In some embodiments, the information bearing medium is disposed in
the elongated envelope at step 704, in which the elongated envelope
includes portions that are non-opaque or clear so that the
information bearing medium is visible. For example, a page of
plastic paper bearing food item prices can be rolled up and placed
inside the tube. Then the envelope is sealed at block 706 by
engaging one or more disengagable caps or covers with the envelope.
In some embodiments, 706 includes screwing threaded caps onto
threaded ends of the envelope with an O-ring or other sealing
member disposed to create an airtight and watertight seal. In some
embodiments, 706 includes creating a low humidity environment for
the medium. In other words, there is little or no moisture and no
source of moisture present in the envelope when the envelope is
sealed at step 706. As a result, the interior surface of the
envelope does not fog or become opaque when placed on rolling,
heated surfaces of a roller grill during a grilling operation of
the roller grill, and the medium does not quickly degrade. In some
embodiments, the cap is engaged with the envelope in a humidity
controlled environment in which the humidity is controlled to be
low.
In some embodiments, the envelope is periodically removed from the
roller grill and washed at block 708. The washing can occur by hand
or machine. A decision to wash the envelope can be made at decision
block 710 whenever the envelope is dirty. Alternatively or
additionally, the decision to wash can be made at predetermined
time intervals.
In some embodiments, a new information bearing medium arrives
periodically, which prompts a decision at decision block 712 to
remove the envelope from the grill at block 714, disengage or
remove the cap from the envelope at block 716, remove the old
medium from the envelope at block 718, and dispose or position the
new information bearing medium in the envelope at block 720. The
envelope is then resealed at block 722, washed at block 708, and
replaced on the grill at 700. One or more identical or different
messages may be included or placed on the information bearing
medium.
It should be readily understood that the method can be modified for
use with the cylindrical rolling member of FIG. 6. In this case,
the rolling member is placed on the grill with the information
already present on the recessed surfaces. When a new rolling member
arrives, the old rolling member can be disposed of or set aside.
Washing of the rolling member can be performed in some embodiments.
In the case that the information is to be changed, but all or part
of the rolling member reused, then the information bearing medium
is discarded when a new one arrives.
It is envisioned that the example materials listed above can be
replaced with various other types of materials. For example, it is
envisioned that components of the apparatus can be made of metal,
stone, rubber, plastic, wood, paper, or other organic products,
glass or other crystals, polyester or other fabrics, paper, etc.
One skilled in the art will readily recognize many suitable
candidate materials having the requisite heat resistance,
appearance, and desired qualities.
In summary, in the embodiments described above, the apparatus is a
heat resistant, cylindrical tube, which may include circular,
triangular, square, or other polygonal cross-sections, that bears
information, and that has at least two tires at or near either end
of the tube for rolling on the roller grill. These tires are of
substantially equal diameter and are situated in parallel planes
orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The tires are
preferably soft and heat resistant to ensure that the tires will
not slip on the roller grill surfaces, will not damage the roller
grill surfaces, and will not be damaged by placement on the roller
grill. The heat resistant, cylindrical tube bears information, for
example, by encapsulating an information bearing medium within the
non-opaque, air tight, water tight tube in certain embodiments.
Alternatively, the information is molded directly into the tube
surface, or printed, painted, or placed directly onto the tube
surface. As another alternative, the information bearing medium is
attached to the tube exterior.
The foregoing description is of exemplary and preferred embodiments
of a rolling information display apparatus and method. The
invention is not limited to the described examples or embodiments.
Alterations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be
made without departing from the invention. The meaning of the terms
used in this specification are, unless expressly stated otherwise,
intended to have ordinary and customary meaning and are not
intended to be limited to the details of the illustrated structures
or the disclosed embodiments. None of the foregoing description is
to be read as implying that any particular element, step, or
function is an essential element which must be included in the
claim scope.
The scope of patented subject matter is defined by the issued
claims.
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